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Monday, June 30, 2014
Be A Creature Of Habit.
30 Day Blogging Challenge
Day fourteen
Three healthy habits
Hahaha ok sorry I'll admit I wrote this one three days ago, I needed the time to think about healthy things I do frequently enough to call them habits. I figured showering daily wouldn't cut it, though personal hygiene is very important.
I drink a lot of water. This is a fairly new habit and one that took a vacation when I did but for almost twelve months now I can say that I have had at least a litre of water a day. At least, most days it's more. It may not sound like much but considering right before I started I was dehydrated by diagnosis from my GP it's a big step for me. I fall just short of the old recommended 8 cups a day but my motto for most things is some is better than none.
I get a lot of vitamin D the good old fashion way by sitting in the sun. Even in the middle of winter when the air outside makes you think it's snowing two counties over if it's a sunny day I'll get out and lift my face skywards.
It's refreshing getting warm sun on your skin, especially in the colder months, and the fresh air doesn't hurt either.
This is really quite hard. I have healthy things I do but I'm really forgetful so I can't truly say they are habits.
I have a bottle of multi vitamins on my kitchen counter, I may remember to take one a week.
I go through phases where I'll look at myself in a mirror and make myself find something I like about myself, but I have self image issues so that happens less than it should.
I guess the third healthy habit I have is that I don't say the F word around my daughter. That would be the three letter F word not the four letter one I bet you were all thinking.
I haven't stopped calling myself fat but I don't say it around my four year old impressionable daughter and I'm always on to The Husband to stop saying it too (no he never calls me fat). I don't want her to grow up with the self image issues I have.
What are your own healthy habits?
Skye
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Day fourteen
Three healthy habits
Hahaha ok sorry I'll admit I wrote this one three days ago, I needed the time to think about healthy things I do frequently enough to call them habits. I figured showering daily wouldn't cut it, though personal hygiene is very important.
I drink a lot of water. This is a fairly new habit and one that took a vacation when I did but for almost twelve months now I can say that I have had at least a litre of water a day. At least, most days it's more. It may not sound like much but considering right before I started I was dehydrated by diagnosis from my GP it's a big step for me. I fall just short of the old recommended 8 cups a day but my motto for most things is some is better than none.
I get a lot of vitamin D the good old fashion way by sitting in the sun. Even in the middle of winter when the air outside makes you think it's snowing two counties over if it's a sunny day I'll get out and lift my face skywards.
It's refreshing getting warm sun on your skin, especially in the colder months, and the fresh air doesn't hurt either.
This is really quite hard. I have healthy things I do but I'm really forgetful so I can't truly say they are habits.
I have a bottle of multi vitamins on my kitchen counter, I may remember to take one a week.
I go through phases where I'll look at myself in a mirror and make myself find something I like about myself, but I have self image issues so that happens less than it should.
I guess the third healthy habit I have is that I don't say the F word around my daughter. That would be the three letter F word not the four letter one I bet you were all thinking.
I haven't stopped calling myself fat but I don't say it around my four year old impressionable daughter and I'm always on to The Husband to stop saying it too (no he never calls me fat). I don't want her to grow up with the self image issues I have.
What are your own healthy habits?
Skye
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, June 29, 2014
The Elephant In The Fridge.
30 Day Blogging Challenge
Day thirteen
What's inside your fridge?
Let me tell you what's not in my fridge. Mess! Hear me out. I'm forever cleaning out old food from the fridge, every week when I add the new shopping, but for a while I didn't actually 'clean' my fridge. When I finally did I was disgusted at how dirty it was. Food spilt on the shelves, leaks from bottles it was gross. The problem was I didn't realise it was happening, it just happened. You know those spills that you swear you'll come back to when you're not trying cook dinner and entertain the kids all at once but then completely forget about? I think we had a few of those in there.
I gave it a huge clean out before we went on our holiday and now I notice everything. If someone spills something they are made to wipe it up, immediately, and everything has it's place.
I'm in love with our fridge now. Right after cleaning it I'd go to the fridge just to stare at it.
It was really easy to do as well. Spray a towel with my miracle cleaner AKA the vinegar and dishwashing liquid concoction then empty out each shelve and wipe them down and put it all back. It took me fifteen minutes!
I was contemplating decorating the shelves with coloured contact like in the attached image (found at thepreppyleopard.wordpres.com) but I never got to the store to get any. It's easy and cheap though if you rummage through Kmart selection of contact then just cut to fit your required surface. If you need to remove it just soak in hot water.
Skye
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Day thirteen
What's inside your fridge?
Let me tell you what's not in my fridge. Mess! Hear me out. I'm forever cleaning out old food from the fridge, every week when I add the new shopping, but for a while I didn't actually 'clean' my fridge. When I finally did I was disgusted at how dirty it was. Food spilt on the shelves, leaks from bottles it was gross. The problem was I didn't realise it was happening, it just happened. You know those spills that you swear you'll come back to when you're not trying cook dinner and entertain the kids all at once but then completely forget about? I think we had a few of those in there.
I gave it a huge clean out before we went on our holiday and now I notice everything. If someone spills something they are made to wipe it up, immediately, and everything has it's place.
I'm in love with our fridge now. Right after cleaning it I'd go to the fridge just to stare at it.
It was really easy to do as well. Spray a towel with my miracle cleaner AKA the vinegar and dishwashing liquid concoction then empty out each shelve and wipe them down and put it all back. It took me fifteen minutes!
I was contemplating decorating the shelves with coloured contact like in the attached image (found at thepreppyleopard.wordpres.com) but I never got to the store to get any. It's easy and cheap though if you rummage through Kmart selection of contact then just cut to fit your required surface. If you need to remove it just soak in hot water.
Skye
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Reading is a rendezvous with your soul.
30 Day Blogging Challenge
Day twelve
Your favourite childhood book
Reading and books have always been huge in my family. From as early as I can remember we've always had a library in our home. No matter where we've been I remember there being a library of some sort. I'm not exaggerating either our last family home had a granny flat out back, it didn't house our gran but it was a pretty impressive library and get away for my Dad. My Dad LOVES his books and he passed that love on to my sister and I too.
I don't remember which kids books I loved but when I was old enough to read my self and throughout my early teen years I absolutely adored The Babysitters Club collection. I still have my whole collection, which isn't complete, and plan to pass it on to my daughter who will hopefully love it as much as I do.
I think it lead me towards my first job in early childhood education.
I may not remember my own favourite childhood book but I certainly have one now. Room on the broom by Julia Donaldson. It is super fun and the kids love to read along and act it out as we go.
I also happen to be a huge fan of the works of Dr Seuss with 'oh, the places you'll go' being my favourite.
I'm a huge advocate for reading to children, not just providing them with books but actually sitting with them and reading to them. Everything from the Sunday paper to the yellow pages will help their little minds grow.
What are some of your favourite children's stories?
Skye
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Day twelve
Your favourite childhood book
Reading and books have always been huge in my family. From as early as I can remember we've always had a library in our home. No matter where we've been I remember there being a library of some sort. I'm not exaggerating either our last family home had a granny flat out back, it didn't house our gran but it was a pretty impressive library and get away for my Dad. My Dad LOVES his books and he passed that love on to my sister and I too.
I don't remember which kids books I loved but when I was old enough to read my self and throughout my early teen years I absolutely adored The Babysitters Club collection. I still have my whole collection, which isn't complete, and plan to pass it on to my daughter who will hopefully love it as much as I do.
I think it lead me towards my first job in early childhood education.
I may not remember my own favourite childhood book but I certainly have one now. Room on the broom by Julia Donaldson. It is super fun and the kids love to read along and act it out as we go.
I also happen to be a huge fan of the works of Dr Seuss with 'oh, the places you'll go' being my favourite.
I'm a huge advocate for reading to children, not just providing them with books but actually sitting with them and reading to them. Everything from the Sunday paper to the yellow pages will help their little minds grow.
What are some of your favourite children's stories?
Skye
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday, June 27, 2014
Yummmmm!
30 Day Blogging Challenge
Day eleven
Ten favourite foods
Personally I think today's topic is a little boring so I'm changing it around a little and will tell you some of the best meals I've had and the restaurants I ate them at. It's not that much more exciting - mainly since I don't get out much and when I do I'm a creature of habit - but bare with me.
These will not be in order of most loved but in the order that they come to mind.
Mississippi Mud Cake - Hogs Breath Cafe, multiple locations: yes dessert totally counts as a meal. I love this mud cake. It could be how it's served, on a bed of cream with a scoop of ice cream on the side and the cake heated through. It is to die for. When The Husband and I eloped to the court house we stopped at Hogs Breath for dinner that evening. Mississippi Mud Cake is my wedding cake.
Caesar Salad - Pemberton Millhouse Cafe, Pemberton, WA: I have ordered a lot of Caesar salads in my life, it's the only salad I eat, and I usually have some negative experiences. The lettuce is old, the lettuce is mainly heart, the dressing is too chunky, they put anchovies on when I specifically asked for it without. The Millhouse cafe got it right in every way. The lettuce was fresh and leafy, the dressing was perfect, the bacon bits were real and crunchy, they left off the anchovies, it was delicious and the view from the cafés verandah wasn't half bad either.
Poached eggs - Aragorn Cafe, Ludlow, UK: As with my Caesar salads anytime I order poached eggs they're usually not at all tasty. Too rubbery, too runny where they shouldn't be and not runny where they should be, to much vinegar was added to the water. The Aragorn Cafe in Ludlow made my Mothers Day this year. Their poached eggs were perfect. Round, not rubbery at all, runny in the middle and so so yummy.
Jacket Potato with BBQ Pulled Pork - The a Dukes Head, Leominster, UK: I cannot say enough good things about this meal. I had it four times on my recent holiday - it would have been five but somehow a restaurant in the middle of potato growing country ran out of potatoes- and each time it was fantastic. I've tried to replicate it since being home and although it was good it was not as good as The Dukes Head.
Butter Chicken - Chutney Mary's, multiple locations: I have an issue with lumps in my sauces which is why at home I sieve everything. Chutney Mary's butter chicken has lumps but it's so good I barely notice it. Add a naan bread and it's the best Indian I've had.
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger - Burger a Edge, multiple locations: you may be seeing a pattern in which I'm very fussy about my food. Burgers are no exception. I usually don't eat them as most people out big chunks of onion in the meat patties. Burger Edge burgers are awesome. So tasty, big and they only come with onion if you ask for it.
Churros - San Churro, multiple locations: I was first introduced to Churros on my visit to America. Disneyland have churro stands throughout the park and you get one thick long churro for about $3.50. San Churro do six Churros plus two bowls of melted dipping chocolate for $14.95 and I don't have to suffer through a 20 hour flight to get them.
There you have it my seven top meals eaten out, sorry I couldn't quite think of ten.
For those of you who are interested I'm working on a post about saving, budgeting and finances for when this blogging challenge is over, so stay tuned.
Skye
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Day eleven
Ten favourite foods
Personally I think today's topic is a little boring so I'm changing it around a little and will tell you some of the best meals I've had and the restaurants I ate them at. It's not that much more exciting - mainly since I don't get out much and when I do I'm a creature of habit - but bare with me.
These will not be in order of most loved but in the order that they come to mind.
Mississippi Mud Cake - Hogs Breath Cafe, multiple locations: yes dessert totally counts as a meal. I love this mud cake. It could be how it's served, on a bed of cream with a scoop of ice cream on the side and the cake heated through. It is to die for. When The Husband and I eloped to the court house we stopped at Hogs Breath for dinner that evening. Mississippi Mud Cake is my wedding cake.
Caesar Salad - Pemberton Millhouse Cafe, Pemberton, WA: I have ordered a lot of Caesar salads in my life, it's the only salad I eat, and I usually have some negative experiences. The lettuce is old, the lettuce is mainly heart, the dressing is too chunky, they put anchovies on when I specifically asked for it without. The Millhouse cafe got it right in every way. The lettuce was fresh and leafy, the dressing was perfect, the bacon bits were real and crunchy, they left off the anchovies, it was delicious and the view from the cafés verandah wasn't half bad either.
Poached eggs - Aragorn Cafe, Ludlow, UK: As with my Caesar salads anytime I order poached eggs they're usually not at all tasty. Too rubbery, too runny where they shouldn't be and not runny where they should be, to much vinegar was added to the water. The Aragorn Cafe in Ludlow made my Mothers Day this year. Their poached eggs were perfect. Round, not rubbery at all, runny in the middle and so so yummy.
Jacket Potato with BBQ Pulled Pork - The a Dukes Head, Leominster, UK: I cannot say enough good things about this meal. I had it four times on my recent holiday - it would have been five but somehow a restaurant in the middle of potato growing country ran out of potatoes- and each time it was fantastic. I've tried to replicate it since being home and although it was good it was not as good as The Dukes Head.
Butter Chicken - Chutney Mary's, multiple locations: I have an issue with lumps in my sauces which is why at home I sieve everything. Chutney Mary's butter chicken has lumps but it's so good I barely notice it. Add a naan bread and it's the best Indian I've had.
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger - Burger a Edge, multiple locations: you may be seeing a pattern in which I'm very fussy about my food. Burgers are no exception. I usually don't eat them as most people out big chunks of onion in the meat patties. Burger Edge burgers are awesome. So tasty, big and they only come with onion if you ask for it.
Churros - San Churro, multiple locations: I was first introduced to Churros on my visit to America. Disneyland have churro stands throughout the park and you get one thick long churro for about $3.50. San Churro do six Churros plus two bowls of melted dipping chocolate for $14.95 and I don't have to suffer through a 20 hour flight to get them.
There you have it my seven top meals eaten out, sorry I couldn't quite think of ten.
For those of you who are interested I'm working on a post about saving, budgeting and finances for when this blogging challenge is over, so stay tuned.
Skye
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, June 26, 2014
I Have Left My Heart In So Many Places!
30 Day Blogging Challenge
Day Ten
The best trip of your life
"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page" - Saint Augustine
I have seen only a small part of the world and long to see more so picking my best trip yet is going to be quite difficult.
Until 2003 I had never been on a plane, Ever! Since then I've flown to New Zealand twice, the UK twice, France and of course my inaugural trip to the United States.
My first trip in 2003 is certainly a contender for best trip ever. I cried upon finally reaching my hotel room in Boston, seriously I didn't make it pass the hall way. I closed the door and collapsed in tears against it. I left three hours earlier than needed as the hotels fire alarm went off and although the corridors were empty I panicked grabbed my bags and checked out, turns out it was a false alarm. I spent $100 on a taxi fare instead of about $8 on a train fare because I was worried I'd get lost. I don't regret this though as my taxi driver was amazing and gave me a history lesson on the twenty minute trip to the greyhound station. I was shy, young and scared. It took me ages to open up to my fellow camp counsellors. The food was strange, the kids were strange, the weather was humid, the Mosquitos never slept, the moths were HUGE and the spiders looked robotic.
Despite all of that I loved the experience. The camp had a lot of administration issues to start with which caused a few people to hate it but I can't fault it. The whole experience made me grow as a person. I discovered a new stronger more confidant side of myself and I met some fantastic people. It doesn't hurt that I also spent two weeks after camp at Disneyland, Los Angeles.
After that I took two trips to New Zealand. Now New Zealand is a beautiful country but there was nothing spectacular about either trip so they were great trips but not the best of my life.
In 2007 I went to the UK. I was visiting a good friend and happened to meet my soul mate, The Husband! I spent a lot of time in Scotland, and I fell in love with the country. This trip could be the best of my life because if I hadn't have taken it I would never have met the man who owns my heart and soul.
There was a few years between trips for me but this year my family and I went back to the UK and to France. It was an amazing holiday. I got to meet in-laws I hadn't yet met, I caught up with good friends and got to see them settled and happy with families of their own. I got to see my children interact with cousins and uncles and aunts and spend quality time with their Nana and Grandad. I saw my husband relaxing and happy as he caught up with his brothers and sister. I did a lot of shopping and I got a small break from reality. Oh and I visited Disneyland Paris!
I think each of my three big trips are tied for position as the best trip of my life. I love to travel and each one has allowed me to see a new part of the world while adding something important to my life.
Where have you been? What have you seen? Which trip is the best of your life?
Skye
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Day Ten
The best trip of your life
"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page" - Saint Augustine
I have seen only a small part of the world and long to see more so picking my best trip yet is going to be quite difficult.
Until 2003 I had never been on a plane, Ever! Since then I've flown to New Zealand twice, the UK twice, France and of course my inaugural trip to the United States.
My first trip in 2003 is certainly a contender for best trip ever. I cried upon finally reaching my hotel room in Boston, seriously I didn't make it pass the hall way. I closed the door and collapsed in tears against it. I left three hours earlier than needed as the hotels fire alarm went off and although the corridors were empty I panicked grabbed my bags and checked out, turns out it was a false alarm. I spent $100 on a taxi fare instead of about $8 on a train fare because I was worried I'd get lost. I don't regret this though as my taxi driver was amazing and gave me a history lesson on the twenty minute trip to the greyhound station. I was shy, young and scared. It took me ages to open up to my fellow camp counsellors. The food was strange, the kids were strange, the weather was humid, the Mosquitos never slept, the moths were HUGE and the spiders looked robotic.
Despite all of that I loved the experience. The camp had a lot of administration issues to start with which caused a few people to hate it but I can't fault it. The whole experience made me grow as a person. I discovered a new stronger more confidant side of myself and I met some fantastic people. It doesn't hurt that I also spent two weeks after camp at Disneyland, Los Angeles.
After that I took two trips to New Zealand. Now New Zealand is a beautiful country but there was nothing spectacular about either trip so they were great trips but not the best of my life.
In 2007 I went to the UK. I was visiting a good friend and happened to meet my soul mate, The Husband! I spent a lot of time in Scotland, and I fell in love with the country. This trip could be the best of my life because if I hadn't have taken it I would never have met the man who owns my heart and soul.
There was a few years between trips for me but this year my family and I went back to the UK and to France. It was an amazing holiday. I got to meet in-laws I hadn't yet met, I caught up with good friends and got to see them settled and happy with families of their own. I got to see my children interact with cousins and uncles and aunts and spend quality time with their Nana and Grandad. I saw my husband relaxing and happy as he caught up with his brothers and sister. I did a lot of shopping and I got a small break from reality. Oh and I visited Disneyland Paris!
I think each of my three big trips are tied for position as the best trip of my life. I love to travel and each one has allowed me to see a new part of the world while adding something important to my life.
Where have you been? What have you seen? Which trip is the best of your life?
Skye
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Have I Forgotten Anything?
30 Day Blogging Challenge
Day nine
What is in your bag or wallet?
As most mums will understand I haven't carried a handbag in over four years. Once my daughter was born whatever I needed got put into the nappy bag.
I used to have a rather large collection of handbags, so I could match one to my outfit, now I've gotten rid of nearly all of them with only a messenger bag, one handbag and a tote bag remaining and two of those were kept because they're disney merchandise.
I kind of feel naked or like I'm missing a limb if I go out somewhere with out the nappy bag as it's been there on my shoulder for so long.
The problem is despite it being so big it still never fits everything I need or should I say everything the kids need.
We have a change of clothes for both kids.
Nappies, change mat and wipes for Mr Two.
A drink for each kid.
Snacks.
Tissues.
Lip gloss.
Roll on perfume.
My purse, which itself is empty 99% of the time.
Sunglasses.
Toy cars.
Barbie/princess dolls.
Paper and pen.
Mentos - the fruit mix.
Keys.
Hair clips and ties.
Then whenever we get where we are going I usually acquire The Husbands wallet, keys and sunglasses too.
I have no idea what style of handbag I'd be interested in when I no longer need a nappy bag and in fact I also have no idea when that will be.
Just out of curiosity at what age did you stop needing a nappy bag for children?
Skye
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Day nine
What is in your bag or wallet?
As most mums will understand I haven't carried a handbag in over four years. Once my daughter was born whatever I needed got put into the nappy bag.
I used to have a rather large collection of handbags, so I could match one to my outfit, now I've gotten rid of nearly all of them with only a messenger bag, one handbag and a tote bag remaining and two of those were kept because they're disney merchandise.
I kind of feel naked or like I'm missing a limb if I go out somewhere with out the nappy bag as it's been there on my shoulder for so long.
The problem is despite it being so big it still never fits everything I need or should I say everything the kids need.
We have a change of clothes for both kids.
Nappies, change mat and wipes for Mr Two.
A drink for each kid.
Snacks.
Tissues.
Lip gloss.
Roll on perfume.
My purse, which itself is empty 99% of the time.
Sunglasses.
Toy cars.
Barbie/princess dolls.
Paper and pen.
Mentos - the fruit mix.
Keys.
Hair clips and ties.
Then whenever we get where we are going I usually acquire The Husbands wallet, keys and sunglasses too.
I have no idea what style of handbag I'd be interested in when I no longer need a nappy bag and in fact I also have no idea when that will be.
Just out of curiosity at what age did you stop needing a nappy bag for children?
Skye
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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